Dear Private School Administrators,
Thank you for your participation in the annual enrollment reporting process. The State Board of Education is committed to enhancing the reporting process to ensure private school data is as accurate as possible. Here’s a quick recap:
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91% response rate: Of the 559 approved schools, 510 submitted enrollment reports.
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Student enrollment: 81,825 K–12 students and 11,361 preschool students are enrolled in private schools across Washington.
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More data: Find additional enrollment information on our website: Private Schools.
Why Your Participation Matters
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Accurate Representation: Enrollment data helps paint a detailed picture of Washington’s diverse private school population, offering insights that challenge stereotypes and address misinformation.
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Statewide Comparisons: The data enables meaningful comparisons with public school enrollment, revealing trends and supporting efforts to meet community needs.
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Regulatory Compliance: Schools fulfill statutory attendance reporting requirements (RCW 28A.195.060) through the enrollment reporting process, ensuring adherence to state regulations.
Looking Ahead to Annual Approval
March is approval application month! The online application for the 2025–2026 school year will be available starting March 3, 2025. Schools will log in using the head of school email address as the username and the school building code as the password.
To ensure a smooth process, take these steps:
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Update School Information: Submit the 2024–2025 Private School Change of Information Alert Form by February 14, 2025, if needed. Timely updates ensure clear communication from state agencies.
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Missed the Deadline? If updates are not made by February 14, you will report changes directly in the Approval Application. Note that the Change of Information Alert Form is disabled during the application window.
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Name Changes: Schools with a name change should log in to the Renewing Private School Application and indicate both the new and previous school names. Note that the school building code remains attached to the school business, regardless of name or location changes.
Q&A Sessions For Approval Application Support
For application support, join our Zoom Q&A sessions every Wednesday in March, from 12 p.m. to 12:30p.m.
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Submitting the Change of Information Form does not automatically update your details in the approval application or report forms. If updates are submitted on time, the new head of school email address will serve as the username.
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If updates are late or in the application itself, changes will be reflected in State Board files and OSPI’s EDS system after the approval process concludes.
Key Dates to Remember
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February 14, 2025: Deadline to submit the Change of Information Alert Form
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March 3: Online Approval Application Launch
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Wednesdays in March: Zoom Q&A sessions, 12–12:30 PM
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April 1: Approval Applications Due
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Mid-April: ESEA Federal Programs Application Due
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June 2: Deadline for additional materials or corrections – e.g., inspection or staffing reports
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June 26: Board votes to approve private schools
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Early July: Schools are notified of approval & new schools are assigned building codes
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Mid July: Certificates of Approval available for download on the Private Schools website
Schools will not be recommended for approval until their approval application is complete. Late applications will be reviewed for approval during the August (or a subsequent) Board Meeting.
Mark your calendars and plan ahead to streamline your application process.
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